In response to Israel’s widespread attack on Iran’s nuclear, military, and strategic command facilities, the Iranian government has restricted citizens’ access to the internet. Simultaneously, the Iranian Judiciary issued a statement threatening media outlets and social media users with legal action.
Early morning on Friday, June 13, 2025, Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure. The strikes caused substantial damage to Iran’s military facilities, targeting homes and locations where high-ranking military commanders were stationed. Several Iranian military officials, including Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, were killed in the attacks.
Alongside the military assault, Iranian citizens experienced severe disruptions in internet access. The Communications Ministry of the Islamic Republic issued a statement saying: “Temporary restrictions have been imposed on internet access. It is evident that once the situation returns to normal, these restrictions will be lifted.”
Just hours after the onset of Israel’s attacks, the Iranian Judiciary issued a statement addressing media outlets, journalists, and citizens: “Individuals who disseminate false information and publish lies to disturb the psychological security of society will be dealt with appropriately according to the law.” Shortly after, the Virtual Space Department of the Judiciary announced that legal action was being taken against citizens who posted images and content related to the Israeli attack. The department labeled these individuals as “enemy agents on social media” and accused them of disrupting the “psychological security of the people.”
Legal and security crackdowns on media, journalists, and social media users have been recurring patterns following major events in Iran. Last year, amid heightened tensions and controlled military clashes between Iran and Israel, dozens of media workers, journalists, and citizens were detained, faced legal cases, or received threatening calls from security agencies for reporting or sharing content on social media.
Following these provocative developments, judicial and security agencies, in coordination with the Islamic Republic’s propaganda apparatus, are attempting to curtail independent reporting and prevent alternative narratives from becoming dominant among citizens, in order to reinforce the government’s official narrative.